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Team news: Mbemba back in the fold
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Chancel Mbemba makes his first start for Newcastle United since November as Rafa Benitez shuffles his pack for tonight’s Sky Bet Championship clash at home to Burton Albion.
The Congolese defender has not made a single appearance for the Magpies since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, but returns to partner Jamaal Lascelles in the heart of the backline.
Elsewhere, there are two further changes. Jack Colback drops out of the squad completely, with Mohamed Diame likely to play alongside Jonjo Shelvey in a deep-lying role.
Taking the No. 10 position vacated by Diame is Ayoze Perez, who will hope to net at St. James’ Park for the first time since mid-January.
Out wide, Christian Atsu comes in for Yoan Gouffran, who has been named on the substitutes’ bench.
The Frenchman is one of a handful of attacking options Benitez may choose to call upon, with Daryl Murphy back in contention after sitting out Saturday’s win over Wigan Athletic.
Also named among the list of potential replacements is Gouffran’s countryman, Massadio Haidara, who has not figured in a league fixture for United since October 2015.
Newcastle United: Karl Darlow, Vurnon Anita, Chancel Mbemba, Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett, Mohamed Diame, Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Perez, Christian Atsu, Dwight Gayle.
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, Jesus Gamez, Grant Hanley, Massadio Haidara, Sammy Ameobi, Yoan Gouffran, Daryl Murphy.